Old State House

Visitor Information


Guided and Self-Guided Tours
As Connecticut’s original state capitol from 1797 to 1873, the Old State House is regarded as one of the oldest remaining state houses in the nation. Explore the home of Connecticut’s early state government, including restored legislative chambers, executive branch offices, and courtroom with interactive tours that lets you experience this historic landmark on your own, or with one of our experienced guides.

"History Is All Around Us" (Located in the Mortensen Gallery)

Immerse yourself in more than 300 years of Connecticut history. Build - and rebuild - the city of Hartford over time, and discover ways our community has come together to solve yesterday's and today's problems in the Connecticut Historical Society's interactive multimedia exhibit.

Joseph Steward Museum of Oddities and Curiosities

Is that really a two-headed calf?  Did that horn come from a narwhal…or a unicorn? Find the answers to these and other questions for yourself at this authentic re-creation of Joseph Steward’s “Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities” that occupied the building in 1798.

New tours and visitor experiences are under development to take visitors deeper into the drama and complexity of Connecticut state government, past and present. Whether you're a new or returning visitor to Connecticut's Old State House, we hope to see you soon.

Located in downtown Hartford and easily accessible from both I-91 and I-84, Connecticut’s Old State House is operated by the Connecticut General Assembly's Office of Legislative Management. The building is air conditioned/heated and handicapped accessible.

Hours:
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)

*School Groups and Tour Groups can reserve programs on Mondays by calling 860-522-6766.

Closed on the following holidays:
  • New Years’ Day

  • Memorial Day

  • Labor Day

  • Independence Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Eve

  • Christmas Day

General Public Admission
Adults $6
Children (6-17) $3
Children (5 and under) FREE
Students (with school ID) $3
Seniors (65 and over) $3
AAA Members (with card) $3
Adult Groups (more than 15 people) $5 per person
Old State House Association/CHS Members FREE
Active U.S. Military Members (with military ID) FREE
U.S. Military Veterans (with VA card) FREE

Admission rates are subject to change

Old State House Smoking Policy:
For the health and safety of our visitors and collections, Connecticut's Old State House, as well as its stairs and porticos, are tobacco-free. Smoking is permitted in a designated outdoor area, equipped with a receptacle for the proper disposal of ashes and other refuse associated with the use of tobacco products.

The designated smoking area is located outside the fence on the central row side of the Old State House, just west of the gate.

Address and Contact Information:
Old State House
800 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860.522.6766
Fax: 860.522.2812
Email:
ctoldstatehouse@cga.ct.gov

Name
(Click to email)

Position/Department
Phone Extension
(Main number is
860-522-6766
unless otherwise indicated)
Sally Whipple Director of Education & Community Programming
17
William Bevacqua Director of Communications & Marketing
(860) 246-1553
ext. 107
Nancy Romppainen Gift Shop and Rentals
27
Rebecca Taber-Conover Curriculum & Tours Manager
11
Ron Bolin Lead Museum Interpreter
28
Betsy Bradley Museum Interpreter
15
Michael Collins Museum Interpreter
21
Valerie Werse Museum Interpreter
23
Renee Goldstein Visitor Services
18
Nicole Davis Gift Shop and Rentals
31
Meaghan Mackin Communications & Marketing Coordinator
(860) 246-1553
ext. 116